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Innovation Technology TRIZ
  Background and Definitions

TRIZ

TRIZ is the internationally acknowledged Russian abbreviation for Teorija Resenija Isobretatelskih Zadac, which can be translated as the Theory of Inventive Problem Solving, also shortened to TIPS.

 

The Origin of TRIZ: Genrich Altschuller

TRIZ was developed between 1960 and 1980 by the Russian scientist Genrich Altshuller (1926-1998) and his staff (first publication in 1956). In contrast to the common “trial and error” problem solving methods such as brainstorming, synectics, morphological analysis etc., TRIZ only relies on the unbiased laws of evolution of technical systems and therefore enables a focussed search for possible solutions. The discovery and structuring of these laws, as well as other TRIZ components, has been the result of the study and analysis of globally available patents over a period of several decades.

 

CAI – Computer Aided Innovation

After the introduction of TRIZ into the USA in the early 1990’s, its techniques and databases were used as the basis of innovation software, as well as being modified for computer-based applications. This was the birth of a new field of technical engineering - Computer Aided Innovation, CAI.

Technical Contradiction
What TRIZ essentially does is identify, exaggerate and eliminate technical and physical contradictions in technical systems and processes instead of trying to find a “half-hearted” compromise.

The term “technical contradiction“ (TC) – is the key to the TRIZ concept. A TC represents two contradictory properties of a technical system: improving one part or property of a machine (e.g. engine power) automatically changes another property for the worse (e.g. weight or fuel consumption).

 

According to TRIZ, a problem is solved only if a TC is recognized and eliminated. So-called ‘habitual blindness’, psychological inertia and the all too common tendency to make compromises are all overcome in a logical way. Not only is the scope of the search considerably reduced in size even in the most difficult of cases, TRIZ also opens up completely new ways of thinking.
 

Author: Dr. Pavel Livotov